The next chapters of Judges introduce what we call minor judges—leaders whose stories are shorter or from less dominant tribes. After Abimelek’s violent reign, Tola from the tribe of Issachar rises to restore peace. He brings 23 years of stability, not through war, but through political leadership. Following Tola, Jair of Gilead judges Israel for 22 years, r ... Show More
Sep 2025
Ep.112 From Outcast to Commander
<p>The Israelites fully abandon the Lord, leading to 18 years of Ammonite oppression. On the east side of the Jordan, the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh are subjugated. The Ammonites are organized, militarily strong, and expanding their territory. Seeing the crisis, ... Show More
20m 38s
Oct 2025
Ep.113 A Fight for the East
<p>In this episode, we follow Jephthah, the outcast turned warrior, as he leads the people of Gilead against the Ammonites. From his unusual vow to the shocking consequences that follow, we explore how one man’s faith, mistakes, and leadership shaped Israel during a turbulent tim ... Show More
18m 44s
Oct 2025
Ep.114 A Pause in the Chaos
<p>As Jephthah’s turbulent story comes to an end, we step through the quieter judges who followed—Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. Together, their rule spans 31 years, offering Israel brief moments of peace between storms. Each judge, from Jephthah’s vow to Abdon’s legacy, reflects a nati ... Show More
15m 50s
Mar 2022
Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2022)
As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam appears to be the only one punished. He also mentions the lack of trust the people continue to have in God, as they discover that ... Show More
21m 22s
Mar 2024
Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2024)
As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam appears to be the only one punished. He also mentions the lack of trust the people continue to have in God, as they discover that ... Show More
21m 22s
Mar 2023
Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2023)
As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam appears to be the only one punished. He also mentions the lack of trust the people continue to have in God, as they discover that ... Show More
21m 22s
Oct 2022
Giants and Justice – Deuteronomy E3
<p>In this episode, we once again encounter the Nephilim, the evil demon-human hybrid beings we first met in Genesis 6. Now they resurface as giants inhabiting Canaan, the land Yahweh promised to Israel. Join Tim and Jon as they tackle the complex issues of violent conquest, huma ... Show More
1h 11m
Mar 2025
Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2025)
As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam appears to be the only one punished. He also mentions the lack of trust the people continue to have in God, as they discover that ... Show More
21m 22s
May 2016
Episode 15: Canaan (Biblical History and Archaeology)
<p>The Old Testament, Part 1 of 10. 1207 BCE. Two world empires. And between them, an unassuming strip of seacoast land that has been at the center of history, ever since.<br /> <br /> Episode 15 Quiz<br /> <a href= "https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-015/">https://literaturea ... Show More
1h 32m
May 2021
Does the Bible Borrow from Other Creation Stories? – Ancient Cosmology E2
<p>What is existence? What existed before humans did? Ancient people groups asked the same questions we do today, with totally different answers. In this episode, Tim and Jon survey the cosmologies of Israel’s neighbors, ancient Egypt, Canaan, and Babylon––people groups the bibli ... Show More
1h 20m